Tag: togetherness

The Get-Along Gang

1 Peter 3:8-13

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

Huddle Up!

Acts 5:12-16

One of the hardest things to do on this planet is, get a group of people to agree on the same ideals, required to reach a unified goal. Many sports teams fail to win the coveted championship trophy, because certain members of their team aren’t in sync with the coach’s gameplan. We often see how certain individuals act out of character, when their team is on the verge of winning a game, thus causing them to suffer a loss. Even when playing a game of tug-of-war, if all members on a team aren’t working collectively as a group, they’ll easily be pulled over to the other side. Teamwork really does make the dream work, especially when all who are joined together share the same mindset, and one goal. This same concept can be applied to an individual, and their body. When the natural body is healthy, one can easily accomplish those things the mind is set to achieve. Unity is the key ingredient to any collective group, seeking to achieve success.

In our text, the apostles of Jesus were responsible for doing many signs and wonders among the people of the early church. Their miraculous manifestations would not have been made possible if confusion and ill will was among them, but their minds were set on being obedient to God, and fulfilling His command to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The body of Christ consists of many members, all who may be affiliated with different denominations, but if all have their minds and hearts set on fulfilling God’s will, then God can do great things through His people, no matter who they are affiliated with. The truth will indeed stand forever, so when the church collectively spreads the truth of the Gospel to all men, God will reveal His awesome power through all who are of one accord.

“Unity is what makes success a reality.” – Ell

With One Accord

Acts 2:1-12

One of the most iconic moments in Bible history was, the day of Pentecost, recorded in the book of Acts. When the day of Pentecost was “fully come”, this was referencing the fiftieth day from the waving of the sheaf of the first-fruits. According to the book of Leviticus, Pentecost was one of the original eight feasts of the Lord, or holy convocations, which were to be proclaimed in their appropriate season. God appointed times for His people to gather and offer sacrifices and praises for all that He had done for them. This was important to keep the minds of the people focused on the source of their peace, prosperity, and protection.

Our text picks up a short while after the first business meeting of the church, and the election of the replacement disciple (Matthias). During this gathering of about 120 men, the Bible mentions all these men were in one place, and with one accord. In other words, none of the men gathered were lukewarm, shady, doubtful, unconcerned, nor uninterested in God’s affairs. Instead, they were all united in faith, love, and prayer. Can you pause for a moment, and imagine if this was the state of the church today. If every man and woman, who gathers together in the name of the Lord, were always sharing the same mind, will, and motivations, how do you think the earth would look today? Well, we have an absolutely amazing experience that takes place in the verses of our text.

Being of the same mind, and gathered together in unity, provoked the almighty God, to literally invade the space where the men were, and fill them with His Spirit, while unlocking the ability for them to speak a language they never spoke. This was done, so that all the nations of the earth that would also come to witness God’s power, could be ministered to in their native tongue. God knew, many would come together to join the ever-growing church, so He (in His infinite wisdom), was fully aware that those whom He called, needed to capable of reaching all who would show up. Unlike men, who think mostly in “the now”, God sees the end of a thing, and knows how to prepare His people to handle it, before it manifests.

Although the modern church seems to have lost its once renowned potency and effectiveness in the earth, the power of God is still readily available, to invade the lives of those who will gather together in one mind, one heart, and one Spirit. Never underestimate the power of unity, because doing so could prohibit you from reaching your full potential in God.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold… don’t become one of them.

Ell

Don’t Hate, Love

Leviticus 19:13-18

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man… (Matthew 7:21-24a). These were words spoken by Jesus, to teach His followers the importance bringing forth good fruit, for the purpose of edifying God’s kingdom. While some willingly humble themselves, to allow all glory to go to God, others seek vain glory for themselves, and do works to promote their own agendas.

God is all about teamwork, and shuns selfishness and pride. He desires that those who claim His name, not only focus on trying to accomplish major feats in the earth, but place more emphasis on fine tuning the small things. Some of which include loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, being fair in judgment, and paying those you owe on time, and not withholding what’s owed to those who have completed work for you. A few more of those small things God pays close attention to are respecting all men the same, whether they be deaf or blind, poor or rich, keeping the business of others out of your mouth (gossiping), and choosing to love your fellow brethren, rather than hate them, no matter the circumstances.

The church today, should look completely different from the world. Where there’s bickering and arguing amongst the world, love and peace should be found in the church. When the world slander, gossip, and tear down each other’s names, the body of believers should only be heard building, edifying, and lifting each other up.

We are to be the light, salt, and difference in the earth, so that those who are seeking a better way, can be positively influenced from our example. Prove your love to God by being a better you, every day, and let your love for others mirror the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Selfless Consideration

Romans 15:1-6

In our society, working together is promoted in all areas of business, education, and entertainment. Businesses thrive on increase and productivity, but their success can only go as far as their unified organization allows them to. Teachers work hard to ensure that their students learn and develop the skills required to advance to the next grade level. When done for the right purpose and with right intentions, teachers can impact the lives of their students far beyond their initial expectations. Without unity and togetherness, it would be unwise for any team, of any sport, to attempt to challenge an opponent, because their lack of teamwork would weigh heavily against them, causing them to suffer a great and embarrassing loss. From these examples, it’s safe to presume that working together as a single unit, will always produce better results, than operating from a system of dysfunction.

While teamwork involves all members working together toward a common goal, each individual must exhibit behaviors of humility, compassion, and understanding, in order for the “team” to “work” effectively. In our text, the apostle Paul helps Roman believers grasp a better better understanding of the importance of unity, amongst the body of Christ. Although each member of the body performs different functions, not one area holds more importance than another. The Bible does teach that we are to honor our leaders, and give them respect, but we must not consider our own callings irrelevant, in comparison to theirs.

The church is at its best, when all members perform their duties with all their heart, aiming to give God glory from their lives. Unfortunately, times will arise when those who are weak in faith, may tend to get weighed down by the heaviness of life’s struggles. During these critical moments, those who are strong in the Lord, ought to make haste to cover, protect, edify, and restore those who may fall, because at any moment the enemy could come and sift them as wheat. The Bible doesn’t teach us to be “people pleasers”, but we are commanded to live to please others. In pleasing others, we make ourselves available to lift them up during times when they feel down, supply their needs during seasons of lack, or simply loaning an ear or shoulder for someone to cry on, giving them hope that they’re not alone in the fight of faith.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Are You Convinced?

John 17:20-26

Have you considered lately, why there has been so much difficulty for Christians to convince the world, that Jesus was sent by God, to become the savior of all mankind? Well, I have, and it’s rather disheartening to witness how men give more reverence to dead athletes, than to a man who sacrificed His life, to save their souls.

All who are adopted into the royal family of God, have been blessed with power, love, and a plethora of amazing benefits, that when exhibited properly, should easily convince men, that God is the only way to gain eternal peace. So, why does the world make mockery of men and women, who preach the Gospel? The main reason people today shun Christianity is, because there is great division among the body of Christ, and where unity is absent, the power of influence is non-existent. Take for instance, those who gather in protest, to stand for certain rights. The power of their unity and togetherness is potent enough to cause change, even in government. An example of this was made evident when the lgbtq community fought to legalize marriage. Not only was this an example of the power of unity working in one’s favor, but throughout history, men have banned together, standing for what they believe, in order to induce change. This makes me wonder, why don’t Christians join together, rather than separate themselves, to show the world the truth, and power in God’s love? There are countless churches today, that all teach from the same Bible (or at least they should), yet their messages are watered down with doctrine and opinions that are irrelevant to one’s salvation. The church is divided, because leaders aren’t representing themselves appropriately, and the message of the Gospel has been altered to keep “members” in the seats, rather than “disciples”.

Gone are the days when church was a place where men, women, and children would go in feeling one way, then leave ENERGIZED, and ready to face what may come the next day. In our text, Jesus prayed sincerely to the Father, that the disciples, and those who would come to God in the future, would be unified, so that the world could see real evidence of Christ’s purpose, and mission on the earth. Christ knew, a unified church, would be more than enough to prove His love to an evil world.

I pray now, that all who have given their hearts to the Lord, submit yourselves once again to His will. I pray that you allow God’s Spirit to lead, guide, and direct your paths, as well as keep you safe from all harm. I ask God to give you power, boldness, strength, and courage to stand against those who seek to divide you from those who fight alongside you in faith.

I believe that you are a powerful piece in God’s plan, and you WILL accomplish what He created you to do. Keep your heart and mind fixed on Jesus, and try your best to encourage those around you. We all need each other to be effective, and make an impact in this crazy world. In those moments when you feel the pressure of conflict or drama arising, pray quickly, and ask God for resolution, because only through His strength, can we overcome the enemy’s plans to break us apart.

Walk in love,

Ell

Regular worship services resumed

1 Chronicles 16:37-43

Now that tummies have been filled, hugs given in plenty, and many have enjoyed the opportunity to meet and greet family and friends, the real test of Thanksgiving begins after the celebrated day has passed. It’s easy to show acts of kindness, and appreciation on a given day, but doing it consistently proves that a person’s heart is truly behind their actions. Even in service to God, going to church, or attending a religious gathering, where you possibly contribute in service by using gifts and talents, mean very little, if that same attitude of love and humility isn’t carried over into one’s personal life. God doesn’t judge us by one single act, but by the consistent actions and behavior we exhibit on a daily basis. After Thanksgiving, the food you ate and shared, people you met and entertained, and football games you watched, will all be brief moments in history, but the life you live the day after, and beyond, will test whether your love was only for a day, or a lifetime.

Walk in love,

Ell

Believers depend on one another

1 Corinthians 12:18-26

If you woke up one morning and realized that your entire body had been reconstructed to where your legs were attached to your shoulders, arms joined to your hips, ears flapping from your elbows, and eyeballs resting on the dresser, gazing in amazement at the unusual construct standing before them, do you think you could function the same as you normally do? I highly doubt you could. God formed the human body very uniquely, and in such a way that all members are significant, and contribute to the body effectively from their purposed position. When God made man and woman, He called them good, and was pleased with the finished products He formed. It matters not what size or location a body part is, but all members of the body are necessary to keep it functioning at optimal levels of performance. The uncomely, or less honorable parts of the body, like the feet, are given more honor because without them, the entire body would have great difficulty moving from place to place. From the eyes and ears, to the hands and feet, all members of the human body are important, and need each other to fulfill its purposes. Even in instances when one body part is bruised or injured, the whole body will feel the effects. Try stomping your toe on something, then watch your face cringe, back bend, arms reach, and hands grab the foot on which the “wee wittle” toe was hurt.

In the same way that the human body is joined in such a way that each member is dependent on each other, the members of the body of Christ were set in place by God, as it pleased Him. In other words, every person born again in God, through Christ Jesus, were made to do a specific job, for the purposes of keeping the body of Christ functioning effectively. While it’s true, God made everyone special, and to fulfill His will, it’s only when you’re engrafted into the family of God, do your gifts began to work effectively.

All members of churches or religious groups who proclaim that Jesus is the Son of the living God, and that God the Father created all things, but will soon make a new heaven and earth (among many other truths), make up the body of Christ. God loves all His children the same, but made us different in a good way. Each member joined into the body of Christ is dependent upon each other to function properly. Just as the feet depend on the eyes, and the hands need the shoulders, everyone striving to build God’s kingdom must work together, so that His purpose can be accomplished through them.

Believers must seek to please God from the position where He places them, and not try to prosper from someone else’s position. If members of Christ’s body would stay in their lane, and do as God leads them, there would be less drama, strife, and confusion in the church today. Make sure to play your role in life well, and never hesitate to lend a helping hand to your fellow members of the body of Christ. We all need each other to survive, but trying to function separate from the body can cause all sorts of problems to occur.

Walk in love,

Ell

Living with neighbors

Leviticus 19:11-18

In the Old Testament, God usually laid down strict rules for His people to abide by, in order that they remain holy, righteous, and separate from the world. Our text presents a list of do’s and don’ts that were very effective in keeping the righteous right, and identifying the children of God with their Father, which could also be applied today to yield positive results as well. I wrote concerning how believers are to live amongst other Christians a few lessons ago, and this lesson will be more of the same.

The 22 social, and religious commands mentioned in our text includes; do not steal, do not deal falsely, do not lie, do not swear falsely by God’s name, do not profane the Lord’s name, do not defraud your neighbor, do not rob your neighbor, pay wages respectfully at the end of every day, do not curse the deaf, do not cause the blind to stumble, fear God, do no unrighteousness in judgment, do not dishonor nor disrespect the poor, do not honor a man because he is mighty, judge your neighbor righteously, do not gossip, do not endanger the life of your neighbor or interfere with justice if he or she is guilty, do not hate your brother in your heart, do not allow your neighbor to sin if a rebuke will keep him from committing it, do not seek revenge, do not hold grudges against your people, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. The vibe I’m getting is, this is one of those “need I say more” situations, because the Word spoke for itself, but I’ll elaborate on a few of those commands.

Loving others as we love ourselves should be an easy task for the believer, because as I often mention, love is their motivation. So lying, gossiping, and causing others to fall would only be possible if love is replaced with selfishness. When God is in us, and we in Him, we are no longer in control, but we move at His command. This is why it’s important to set aside time daily to pray, and listen to God as He speaks to us through His Spirit. Put your trust in the God who knows all, sees all, was from the beginning, and is eternal. Let His Word guide you on the path of righteousness, and continue to walk in love as you show that same love to your neighbors.

Walk in love,

Ell

Pursue unity in the church

1 Peter 3:8-12

The single most important aspect of the Christian community is, relationship among the brethren. The body of Christ is joined together by many members, yet all operating in different gifts and functions. What makes the body effective is when all members are of one mind, one heart, and operate in one Spirit. Just as blood runs through the human body and gives life to all its systems, love motivates and stimulates the believer to act in ways that are pleasing to God.

This lesson is of great importance to the church today, because many have lost their focus, and are living outside the bounds of togetherness. When an athlete breaks a bone in their arm or leg, their whole body feels the pain, and suffers greatly. In the same way, when a member of the church falls by the wayside, or gives up to the pressures of life, the entire body of believers should feel their pain, and extend offers to bring them back to their place in God. Unfortunately, many tend to spread the business of those who fall to others that gossip, rather than covering their brother or sister in prayer. We are living in a sad time, where “church people” willingly seek to bring other members down, rather than love them as Christ commanded. These are the days where more fights break out in religious gatherings, than in the boxing ring. What happened to our standard? Where has the fear and reverence for God gone? Why is it almost easier to trust your personal business with a friend of the world, than your own Christian brother or sister? The church needs to become unified again. God established His principles that the church should live by, so that we can show the world the love of God through our living. But how can we expect to convince the lost to come to Christ, when our own homes and churches have more drama going on than Lifetime Movie Network?

There are times in my life when it’s embarrassing to call myself a Christian, not because I’m ashamed of what I believe, but because of those who claim the title, but live contrary to what it stands for. In God, holiness is the standard, and anything contrary to godliness is shunned away. Now is the time for men and women of God to regain their focus, and live in love, as they were commanded to do. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Walk in love,

Ell